Where Have I Been?

Yep, I know. Long time no write. I just haven't been feelin' it lately. Still not, but here goes nothing.

Houston Marathon

Doug and I ran in the Houston half marathon again this year. I was not prepared for it. I think the most I ran in between the SA half in this one was 8 miles. My knee was messed up, so I was sidelined for awhile. Excuses, excuses, mostly I was lazy. But I had a respectable time all things considered. I ran a 2:30. Still faster than my first but not as fast as SA. The best part of it, was running the first 9 miles with my rock star best friend Becky who did the whole marathon. It was awesome to experience that with her. And ummmm, I haven't ran since. I know, bad Leslie. I promise I will get back into, maybe in a week or two. (Yes, I say that every week.)

Valentines

I have to say this Valentines was one of the best if not the best ever. I hate Valentine's Day, I think it is stupid and made up. Some of this could stem from the fact that I have never had a really memorable one, in fact have I have had some really bad ones. Anyway, every year I always down play it to Doug, and every year he follows the lead and we just exchange some small silly gift, like a CD or something. But this year was a little different. This year we went to a fabulous restaurant here in San Antonio, Cocoa Chocolate Lounge http://www.sa-coco.com/. I felt so hip being there amongst the SA elite or at least the wanna be's. For a present he got me, an apron, a potato ricer and a single diamond stud. ( my ears are pierced twice on one side) Some may be saying "an apron"? But that is what I asked for. I love to cook, but I'm a really messy cook. And then some may be saying, "what the heck is potato ricer?"(Go to the Williams Sonoma Website if you are curious.) They make mashed potatoes even more delightful. So the night started with presents. The three of exchanged gifts. If you are curious I got Doug the new Pat Green CD, I framed some pictures for his office and a membership to the U2 fan club which includes a CD and a t-shirt. (And hopefully an advantage in scoring concert tickets when they go on sale.) Lauren got a plush Woody (from Toy Story), a plush Pluto, some candy and Toy Story 2. Oh and two cards. Doug got her one and I got her one, just happened it was the same one. Great minds, right? After the exchange, the babysitter came. We went and had cocktails at one of our favorite spots, Silo, then on to the restaurant. After waiting for 20 minutes for a table we had reserved, we were finally seated and had a wonderful dinner. Just as we were about to leave, I looked down to my wrist and noticed my bracelet was gone. Panic follows. My diamond bracelet the one Doug got me when I had Lauren was gone. I look up and say "My bracelet is gone." Doug: "Are you sure you put in on?" Me: "Of course I'm sure, I think I'm gonna vomit." I look in all the places we had been in the restaurant, we ask the front desk, no one has seen it. We go to the first place, no one has seen it. We drive in silence on the way home. I am sick. Doug is doing his best to make me feel better about it, but I don't. We get home, wait for the babysitter to leave. Once she is gone I run to my room looking, hoping it is there. Go into the bathroom and.......Hooray and praise God, it is on my vanity. Must of fallen of as I was touching up my hair. I was so relieved. I was running through the house, yelling "I found it, I found it!" So all was well and Valentines was saved and my faith in it renewed.

Oh and on the Wed. prior we had a little playgroup get together, here are some pics.

The Group


Two Sweeties: Caroline & Lauren

Rodeo

The SA Rodeo just left town. We were lucky enough to score 4th row tickets to two concerts. The three of us went. Lauren was not a fan of the whole stock show and touching the animals, but she loved the show part. Loved watching the bulls, broncs and horses. Even loved the concert part. (the first night anyway) Here are some pictures, you can see the excitement in her eyes.

Gary Allen

Our Cowgirl

Jeff and Reagan's Birthday Party

On Saturday after Valentine's day we headed to Houston for our dear friends birthday party. In the afternoon, was Reagan's 5th birthday party and one of those inflatable places. Lauren had a blast and bounced herself into delirium. That night was Reagan's Daddy's adult only birthday party. We went out for Mexican and then to a local honky tonk "Moe's" for a concert featuring Roger Creager. I'm not much for honky tonks, but we had a lot of fun. I was even dragged onto the dance floor a few times. I love my dear friends, Becky and Jeff and their precious family.

The group

Ft. Worth

On Sunday Lauren and I headed to Ft. Worth. (Doug had business all week in Phoenix.) As I have mentioned before, my dad was recently diagnosed with cancer. He has now started treatment, so we wanted to go up there to be with him. As it turns out, he is doing great so far and was at work most of the days. So Lauren and I hung out with my mom and got to have a great time doing fun stuff with her and hanging with my dad in the evening. As a highlight I got to go for Sushi with my sister and sister in law. We had a blast eating yummy food and cheap martini's. On Friday we headed back home, unfortunately Lauren was sick by this point, but fortunately she was. I was just on this side of the San Marcus, on the home stretch, when I got clocked going 80. But after explaining to the very nice officer that I was just trying to get my sick baby home, he let me off with a warning. Nice guy.

Lauren's Sick.

So as previously stated Lauren is sick. Started with a nasty sounding cough, then snot, then ear pain. So, yesterday we went to the Dr.s office. This was only like her 4th visit that wasn't a well baby/kid checkup. I didn't want to take her in. Pediatrician's offices creep me out. All those nasty germs kids bring in. I always think, if she wasn't already sick, she will be now. But to Doug's credit, he convinced me to take her in. Good thing I did, double ear infection. So for the first time ever, my baby is on antibiotics. We almost made it three years without them. That's something. Today has been a long day of staying at home, but we have done some fun things. I gave her a manicure and a pedicure, we made play dough and made cookies. (She's napping now, shhhh)

The Pedicure

The Cookies

The Play dough

Cooking

From Scratch cupcakes and frosting

Remember me making a commitment to one new recipe a week? I have pretty much done so. Here are some things I have made:

Buffalo Wings

Shrimp Fried Rice

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Ranch Style Chicken

From Scratch Cupcakes

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies (made today and yes they are as good as they sound)

Pork chop Parmesan

I am still on a quest to make the perfect Carne Asada, so far two trys and while both were tasty, still not what I'm looking for.

The House

As a surprise, Doug called several interior designers for me to meet with. He decided on two, and after I met with both, I narrowed it down. For awhile, we were deciding, "do we stay here and fix it up or move and start over?" Staying here won. So now on to making our house a home. This not my area of expertise, so we hired someone to do it for us. As it turns out, it's a bit more expensive to do this than we originally thought so we are starting with room one and we will see what happens from there. We are starting in the family room since that is were our life happens. In about three weeks we will have a completely new family room. Well, not completely, we are keeping our furniture since all have it has been purchased since we moved to SA. I am so excited and can't wait to see the finished product. I will post before and after pictures when it is finally done.

Disney World/Astros

This Saturday we are headed to Florida. We are going to Disney World, baby. It just so happens that the Astro's will be doing a little thing called "Spring Training" down there too. We did this same trip last year, but this year promises to be so much better. For one, Lauren is older and will have more fun. Two, the sickness was (hopefully, a knock on wood) before the trip this time not during. Last year we all took turns getting sick. And third, well, just trust me it will be better.

So, that is were I have been and I guess were I'm going. And I will try to be better about blogging. It's much better doing it a little at a time vs. writing a marathon at one time.

Favorite Lauren Quotes Part 3

1. I'm not sad, I'm just right.

2. Ma'am is for girls, Sir is for boys.

3. I play the poo poo game Mama I go poo poo. (This while I was in line to vote, very loudly, she got quit a chuckle from those I was in line with)

4. Look at my sister laying on the floor (referring to our dog Abby)

5. Magic, Magic Make more pillows for Mommy. (she is very into make believe these days)

6. Doug is fat. (She thinks it's really funny to call her Daddy Doug and to say he is fat, not because he is or she knows what that means, but because it drives him crazy)

7. When asked why she was getting out her PJ's "Because I'm going to pack them to go to Mom Mom's house tonight" Guess it's been too long.

8. I burped. That's just gas in my mouth. Excuse Me

9. I don't like barbies. (THANK GOODNESS)

10. Who let the dogs out? WHO? WHO? WHO?

Looking back at 2008 Looking forward to 2009

Looking back at 2008 brings up mixed emotions. A lot of highs and a lot of lows. In the end the highs always win and time puts all things in perspective. As a side note, this post is more for me. Something I can look back on when I'm old and wonder, what the heck happened in 2008.



A Chronological Look Back at 2008

January 13 - Doug and I ran in our first half marathon.

February 14 - Find out I am pregnant, but might have miscarried

February 18 - Hear a strong heartbeat

February 25 - Doug goes to Denmark for business

March 2nd - The three of us head to Disney world

March 17th - No heartbeat, D&C scheduled

March 23rd - Easter at the Ranch

March 29th - Little Cousin Jeremy gets married

April 18th - Lauren 2nd Birthday

April 22nd - Doug has knee surgery

April 26th - Lauren's Birthday party at Momack's with Caroline

May 8th - New Carpet

May 12th - We got Abby our Brittney Spaniel

June - Lots of golf lessons

June 6th - California Trish and fam comes to town

June 10th - Lauren's first dental apt. lots of tears.

June 20 ish (not sure of exact date) - Ganan June dies

June 30th - Doug and I leave for Cabo

July 25th - Weekend in Port Aransas with the Heflins

August 16 - Weekend with the Heflins, adults only. Schlitterbahn and Canyon Lake. I blew a hole in my eardrum. Even thought the hole is still there, it was totally worth it.

August 29th - We go to Plainview, spent the next week in Ft. Worth

September 27th - Houston trip, dinner with the Heflins for our Friend-aversary

October 4th - Houston again for my birthday, go to Zeigfest with the Heflins

Ocotber 16ish - Doug goes to Paris

October 25 th - Go to homecoming at ACU, my 10th

Ocotber 31st - Halloween in Fort Worth, Lauren is the cutest butterfly ever

November 13th - Elmo live

November 16th - Doug and I run our 2nd half marathon

November 28th - Thanksgiving at the ranch and our 10 year wedding aniv. The 3 Creek Aniversary.

December 15th - Lauren's 2nd Dentist apt, much better, no tears

December 19th - Doug's family arrive for Christmas

December 24th - We head to Ft. Worth for Christmas

December 31st - Ring in the new year with the Cabrals


I'm looking forward to 2009. Not that it won't have it's challenges, but for some reason, I think this is going to be a really good year. I just have a feeling. When I started this post (several weeks ago) I had ever reason to believe this year was going to be a good one. It had just started. Doug and I have made some plans for the year.... Disney World Trip, fixing up the house plans, Cabo trip, etc. And then the other foot dropped. My Dad called as said they found a tumor on his esophagus. Wow. That changes things. We are in the process of learning more and creating the treatment plan, but nothing like the word "cancer" to stop you in your tracks. So what is the outlook for this next year now? Hasn't changed. I still think 09' will be a good one. I fully believe that my Dad will be healed and our family will be stronger for it. Like I said at the beginning, time puts all things in perspective. I have everyone I know praying for him. These are things I know: I know God is The Great Healer. I know that He is gracious. I know that He is my comforter. I know He is in control. I know He is all powerful. I know that He answers prayers. I know He will take care of my Dad.

And so, I am still looking forward to all those things we have planned for 2009 and a few goals for the new year:
Blog more
One new recipe per week. (Look forward to seeing post about these, new segment.......so far I have made a pork tenderloin that was very yummy and Ranch Style Chicken another favorite)
Finally get down to my WW goal weight
Get Lauren into some kind of class, probably gymnastics
Go Back to Port Aransas
Find some 10Ks to do and try to do one in under an hour. I usually finish in 1:04

That's all I can think of for now.......but look out for some new post coming soon....more Lauren Quotes, Cooking adventures, Dad updates.........etc.

Christmas Part 2 & Pebbles and Me

As promised here is Christmas Part 2. Doug, Lauren and I drove up to Ft. Worth on Christmas Eve. Christmas day, Lauren was visited by Santa again as we all opened our Stockings. Christmas Day was very low key, just as I like it. The troops rolled in around 1. We had a nice meal prepared in most part by my Mom. Then present time. We all got lots of great stuff. My favorite was probably the picture frame my Mom got me with multiple spots to place pictures. I couldn't wait to get home to figure it all out and hang it! Lauren had one of her best days yet. All of the older cousins doting on her and her not realizing she is so much younger matched them step for step. Here are a couple of cousin pictures.......

The rest of the week was spent shopping and eating. Two of my favorite activities. On the night before we left, Doug and I did slip out for a movie. We saw Marely and Me. My choice not his. While it was a great movie, I don't think I can recommend it to anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog. For anyone who doesn't know, our first baby was not Lauren, it was Pebbles. We got Pebbles when she was a few years old and perfect. She was house trained, playful and loving. Everything you want in a dog. It's funny how so apart of you life a dog can become. How angry they can make you at times, how loved they can make you feel in others. Pebbles was such a caring dog. One of my favorite memories of her was watching her around babies. She was so protective of them, she would sit on guard by their side. She had such a feel for babies, I have know doubt that she knew I was pregnant with Lauren. She would lay on the couch with me and put her protective paw on my belly. She was a sensitive dog. She knew when I was sad and would comfort me the way a dog can. She knew when to play and when to give us space. As you can tell we were attached to this dog. As she grew older her hips gave out. The doctors tried what they could and nothing helped much. Just a few weeks after Lauren was born, Pebbles got to the point she could no longer go up and down the stairs or stand to use the bathroom. It was really heartbreaking. She would just lay at the top of the stairs and stare down at the rest of us. But she preferred to be there. Doug would carry her up and down the stairs to eat and go outside. As much as our heart ached from the void her absence would leave, we knew it was no way for a dog, this dog, to live. So after one more last ditch effort at the vet, we made the horrible choice no one should have to make for a family member, and had Pebbles put to sleep. I was not there for her final moments (I was with the new born at home) but Doug stayed with her through it all. Tears well in my eyes even now when I think about how awful that must have been for him. It was such a happy time for us with our sweet Lauren joining us, but we could not help but cry randomly when something would remind us of Pebbles. The silence at the doggy door, the emptiness under our bed (where she slept), the empty food dish, no one greeting you when you got home......every little thing brought on the tears. So almost 3 years later going to see a movie about life with a lab (Pebbles was part lab, chow, German Sheppard, but was more lab than anything) all the way to end, was horrible. I have NEVER cried like that in a movie. I mean sobs. The similarities were too much. Pebbles was never as "bad" as Marley, but she had her moments (chewing through the dry wall would be up there), but how she was so much a part of the family, just as Marely was. Then in the end making the choice to put Marely out of his pain was too much of what we went through. So, I would not recommend this movie to anyone not looking for anything but a good cry, which we all need sometimes.

And one more thing, "Here's to Pebbles the greatest dog, friend, pseudo baby two people could ever have."

Jingle Bells

Here's Lauren's Jingle Bells. The camra is a little goofy. Haven't figured out the movie mode yet....

Merry Christmas

Christmas this year has been lots of fun. Although, I don't know that Lauren gets the full concept of Santa, she is for sure enjoying the season. Here are a few highlights so far......

1. Listening to Christmas music. I love Christmas music and ever sweeter when sung by a two year old. She has Jingle Bells down pretty good, but her favorite is Rudolph. She also really enjoys the rum pum pums of "The Little Drummer Boy" and making the drumming motion.

2. Decorating with my Mom. In the three Christmas we have been in San Antonio, my mom has come back with me after Thanksgiving. We shop and decorate. It's always one of my favorite weeks of the year.

3. Going to Gruene to have our picture taken with Santa. Again a yearly tradition since living in SA.

4. Lauren's response to what do you want Santa to bring you.... "A Candy Cane" I thought this was a weird response until someone brought to my attention that when you go to see Santa, you get a Candy Cane. Sweet baby, doesn't see the greed in Christmas yet.

5. Making cookies with Lauren. Lauren "helped" me cut out and ice and sprinkle a billion sugar cookies. I'm pretty sure I actually smelled like sprinkles after that day........

6. Playgroup Christmas party. I hosted this year and I think all the kids enjoyed themselves. We ate, made ornaments, played "Pin the nose on Rudolph", decorated cookies, traded bookes and ate cake pops.

7. This year Doug and I's present to each other was a brand new gigantic TV and stand that we have been enjoying for over 2 weeks now. It is pretty awesome!

8. Christmas with the Muellers. Again, since we have been in SA, Doug and I have hosted the Mueller Christmas at our house. We had that this past weekend. I have to say so far this has been my favorite Christmas with them. And although, it is not without it's stresses ( a lot of cooking and prep work) Doug is right, it is totally worth it. It is fun for Lauren to have a Christmas at her house. So....... On Friday night, elves where in my living room putting together a little Kitchen. Saturday morning Lauren woke to a toy store explosion that was once my living room. Wondering if she understands the whole Santa thing now, after all there were candy canes. I have a sneaking suspension, candy canes will be a part of every Christmas from now on. After Santa, we had a wonderful breakfast that was wonderful, simply because Doug cooked most of it! After breakfast it was on to present time. Lauren loved present time. It didn't matter if she was opening or someone else was, she was a part of it. She would had out the present and then help with the opening, but in a nice way, not in all presents are mine kind of way. And no matter what she received it was love at first open....as in "Clothes, I love clothes" or "Markers, I love markers". So sweet to truly see someone enjoy it all so much.

9. Doug's big haircut. I have been cutting Doug's hair for a long while now. Like years. This last time he let his hair grow really long and really poofy. So to be honest, I was a little scared to cut it. It's never been this long before. I envisioned smoke coming out of the razor. So as a last minute surprise gift, I made an appointment and got him a gift certificate and off to the barber he went. Not that it was an ordinary barber, but more of a man spa. He received the full treatment and beer. I think he was a happy guy. And his hair looks great, way better than I could of done. He tells me I'm out of a job, I'm hoping he is right! Hmm.... looks like it was another present for us both!

Before



After

10. The hard part is over. I have done my Christmas meal, I made my cookies, Santa has come, presents wrapped. Now off to my parents house, were there will be more presents, but no more responsibility.......ahhhhhh.

I am sure I will have a Christmas part 2 posting as well still have more to go. So keep checking!

Just one more thing. I hope everyone has a truly blessed Christmas and heart is touched by someone or something this season. God Bless.

10 Years

On November 28th, Doug and I will have been married 10 years. (hopefully that is today if I have scheduled this to go up on the 28th....but I'm a bit blog challenged) That's a long time by today standards. It doesn't even put a dent in the years our grandparents or even parents have been together, but it's a great start. It has gone by so fast, but in so many ways, it feels like he has always been a part of my life. Our marriage is truly blessed and I am so grateful for it. So in honor of our 10 years, here or 2 list of ten. (surprise another list) These are written to Doug, so it is more on the intimate side, but I am proud of who he is and who we are so, I'm sharing it with everyone.







10 Reasons I feel in love with you:







1. Gorgeous. You have always been a looker. Beautiful eyes, beautiful build, nice hair......I could go on and on.




2. Confidence. You have always oozed confidence. Some people might say to a fault. But to me nothing is more attractive than someone who knows their capabilities.




3. Drive, ambition. From the moment I knew you, you knew what you wanted out of life and knew the steps to get there.




4. Funny. You have a great sense of humor and love to laugh. Who doesn't want to be around that?




5. Passion. You have always had a sense of passion and urgency about you. No matter what you were/are doing, you put your whole heart into it. Most people walk through life at distance, you step completely in.




6. Dreamer. When I met you, you were such a dreamer. Planed big, and usually got it.




7. Friendliness. You are absolutely one of the friendliest people I know. I remember when we were dating, you would go into a store, I would wait in the car and you would be in there forever, just chatting with the clerk.




8. Joyful - You are a truly happy person, and have a contagious smile.




9. Godly. Coming from different backgrounds, you opened my eyes to what it is and what it can be, the be a Godly person.




10. Athletic. You love sports and so do I so right off the bat we had something in common.

10 Reasons I fall more in love everyday

1. Man. You are a man, in every sense of the word. You take care of your family, you are faithful and loving to your wife, and at the same time you are sensitive and giving. Really, so many men could learn a thing or two from you.

2. More gorgeous than ever. You've still got it babe. Your hottie, what can I say?




3 Wonderful husband. You have become a great husband. Neither of us were to good at marriage in the beginning, but what we have is wonderful. You know (most of the time) what I need and what I mean. When my yes really means no and vice versa. You understand the importance of family time and couple time. I can honestly say you are my best friend and there is not an adult person in the world I would rather spend my days and nights with.




4. Wonderful dad. You are absolutely a gifted dad. You know exactly how to handle and love Lauren. It is obvious in the way that she looks at you how much she loves and looks up to you and that is a direct response of who you are.




5. Smart. You amaze my with your knowledge on so many things. I know that I am smart too, but not in the way you are.




6. Self sacrifice. You would do anything for your family. Wither it is not playing golf to spend time with your family are doing without something you want because it would take away from something else, you are always willing to sacrifice what you want.




7. Intense. You have a certain intensity about you. (Is it Intense Intensities or In tense in 10 cities?) You are focused on your goals and really put everything you have into everything you do.




8. Fun. You know how to have fun and just be a big goofball! I love your child like spirit and your ability to let loose.




9. Romantic. You are always doing romantic things for me and you may not always know it. From cleaning the Kitchen every night or planing a date for the two of us or bringing flowers home for no reason. You make me feel loved.




10. You love me. I know you have loved me since that day you first told me back in college. You knew before I did. You continue to show and prove your love over and over again and I am truly blessed to be loved by you.







I could list a million reasons why I love you, but these are the first 20 that came to mine. Here's to 10 great years and many more to come. I truly get a warm fuzzy, just thinking about the future that we get to share together. Thank you for loving me, thank you for choosing me and thank your for being you.







I love you always and forever!